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Sergio's Saravá Reviews List

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Sergio's Saravá

13225 Shaker Square
Cleveland, OH 44120

Sergio Abramof's repertoire includes nearly 30 years as an expert chef and restaurant owner. A native of Brazil, he moved to the U.S. at the age of 10 and eventually settled in Cleveland.

Saravá evokes the rhythm and flavors of Brazil in many ways: through its outstanding Street Plates, authentic drinks, and delectable dishes. We are located in the heart of vibrant Shaker Square, and offer multiple dining and lounge options for our guests. An extensive 24-seat bar adjoins an intimate dining area. There is a cozy fireplace lounge with additional booth seating, and our private Rio Room.

Brazil, like the United States, is a melting pot, teeming with the unique cultures and flavors of Africa, Europe, and Asia. Come experience Brazil's rich cultural heritage with us at Saravá where samba is at the heart of everything we do.

Visit our sister restaurant, Sergio's in University Circle, and get a taste of Italian, seafood, and cross-cultural cuisine.

Dining Style: Casual Dining
Price: $30 and under
Parking: Private Lot
Cross Street: Shaker Blvd.
74 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
(74 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 74 reviews
5 stars
(34)
4 stars
(33)
3 stars
(3)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(1)
Food 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Service 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Ambiance 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Noise Level
2 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • fit for foodies(39)
  • neighborhood gem(33)
  • special occasion(30)
  • romantic(27)
  • good for groups(22)
  • hot spot(17)
Sergio's Saravá Reviews List
Review 1 for Sergio's Saravá
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Sarava was great, the food

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
"Sarava was great, the food is consistently good and the wait staff are very accommodating. We cannot wait for warmer weather to eat on their patio and watch the scene."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2010
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 2 for Sergio's Saravá
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Outstanding server! Dessert

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Outstanding server! Dessert was a bit disappointing, but entrees were very nice."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 3 for Sergio's Saravá
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Overall good experience.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Overall good experience. Food was great. Wine list could be improved on. Ordered an Argentinian Malbec. It was not very good."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 4 for Sergio's Saravá
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Disappointing; not up to past

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Disappointing; not up to past visits. Service was very slow and unattentive; my main course serving was just warm, as if it had been sitting for awhile before being brought to the table. Wait staff paid no attention to us, took forever to get a second drink order and even longer to receive it. Food itself was fine, but the poor service spoiled the evening."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2007
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 5 for Sergio's Saravá
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Fejoida fubar

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Usually enjoy Sarava and this was fine but marred by a couple of things. Waiter was a young guy who seemed a little uncertain. He made a point of serving from the right side, even going around the table to do this but abandoned it about half way thru the evening. Looked forward to my favorite Fejoida. It was served in a metal skillet with handles. What happened to the lovely bowl it is usually in? it was also dry without the great mix of flavors it usually has. Whether this was the serving delay we experienced or the new metal bowl I do t know, but disappointed for the first time in a visit to Sarava and unfortunately after raving about Fejoida to my daughter, she was also disappointed."
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for outdoor dining
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 6 for Sergio's Saravá
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The server was very pleasant

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The server was very pleasant and helpful. Our meals were good for the most part but the meat in my feijoada was a little dry oddly enough. The custard was too eggy and not sweet enough but the server was apologetic and took it off our bill with no question. Willing to go again."
Dined on 02/23/2013
 2011
Special Features: special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 7 for Sergio's Saravá
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

They have the best food there

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"They have the best food there is. Great chef!!! Every time it is a great experience!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2010
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 8 for Sergio's Saravá
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We had a delicious meal.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We had a delicious meal. Service was friendly although slow at times. It seemed there was only one server for the room. The food was excellent"
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 9 for Sergio's Saravá
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Sergio's Sarava' is equally

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Sergio's Sarava' is equally welcoming whether you are relaxing after work or taking a special someone out for a night out. Very classy yet casual setting, excellent drinks and exotic food."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 10 for Sergio's Saravá
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great Valentines day experience.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great Valentines day experience. The food was wonderful and the server was very attentive. The menu was very ecclectic but it also offered selections for the pickiest eater. This would be a great after work, relaxed venue for an upscale happy hour. I'm definitely a fan!!!!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 11 for Sergio's Saravá
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

As good as always. Great server.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"As good as always. Great server. Love sitting in booth in bar and restaurant akways accommodates. Great dinner."
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 12 for Sergio's Saravá
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great local Gem

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great atmosphere for couples, I enjoyed the wine and my server was friendly."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 13 for Sergio's Saravá
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

Bad Service

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Service was horrible when we went for Valentine's Day. The place was not busy but our waiter could not seem to care less about serving us. It took 15 minutes (exactly) for him to even come over to the table to greet us. We were just about to leave when he finally decided to appear. I could easily understand if the place was busy and he was running around, but this was definitely not the case. It put a damper on the entire evening and left a bad taste on our mouths. We go 2 or 3 times a year to this place, but this will definitely be our last time here."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2006
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 14 for Sergio's Saravá
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

A delightful spot. Very good

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"A delightful spot. Very good food with much variety, good service, and an unusual and delightful, lively atmosphere."
Dined on 02/09/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 15 for Sergio's Saravá
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

I love Sarava. The food is

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I love Sarava. The food is consistently very well prepared. The menu is diverse, something for everyone. The only thing I can criticize are the prices. It is expensive."
Dined on 02/12/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 16 for Sergio's Saravá
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Sarava is better than ever--great

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Sarava is better than ever--great dinner! Scallops were sensational."
Dined on 02/08/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 17 for Sergio's Saravá
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We have never had a bad meal

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We have never had a bad meal at Sarava! It is one of our favorite spots"
Dined on 02/02/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 18 for Sergio's Saravá
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Wonderful meal. GREAT service.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
"Wonderful meal. GREAT service. Perfect place for the romantic dinner I had hoped for."
Dined on 01/29/2013
 2012
Special Features: special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 19 for Sergio's Saravá
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Entertaining an out of town

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Entertaining an out of town client, I selected Sarava for her first night's meal. All four of us were beyond pleased with our meals & the service was attentive. The scallops and half chicken entrees are a slam dunk every time and you can never go wrong with the artichoke fritters.
At one point, the musicians seemed to turn up the volume pretty significantly and even from our table in the back, it was a bit challenging to have dialogue. However, the music itself was outstanding and I'm only sorry that I couldn't stay and dance with the patrons who were enjoying the music up close!"
Dined on 01/27/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 20 for Sergio's Saravá
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The Grilled Chicken Thighs

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The Grilled Chicken Thighs were delicious with a lot of different flavors and a very nice portion. The Shrimp Baiana was also tasty, just left me a little bit hungry. For dessert we had the ouro preto torte, which was very rich and creamy although the gold leaf seemed to have skipped our plate. The wine list offered many great options, although the waiter was slow to bring them to the table or refill our waters."
Dined on 01/26/2013
 2006
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 21 for Sergio's Saravá
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food is still great, drinks

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Food is still great, drinks can be pricey but they are ample and well executed. Waiter was pleasant and efficient. In the warm weather the patio is wonderful place to observe Shaker Square."
Dined on 01/26/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 22 for Sergio's Saravá
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Cold Meat

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Everything was really good! The only problem for me is the portion sizes, to small and the meat came kind of cold!"
Dined on 01/25/2013
 2012
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Ratings-Only Reviews for Sergio's Saravá
Based on the average of (52) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Food 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Service 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4 / 5
Noise Level
2 / 3
Moderate